The Myth of the Overnight Success

“Do your work. Not just your work, but a little more for the lavishing’s sake – that little more that is worth all the rest. And if you suffer, as you must, and if you doubt, as you must, do your work. Put your heart into it and the sky will clear. Then, out of your very doubt and suffering, will be born the supreme joy of your life.” Author Unknown

When you start out in any new endeavor, your goal may be to find as many shortcuts as you can. This strategy isn’t wrong in itself, as long as you’re also willing to do the work. For many people, becoming an “overnight success” takes decades to accomplish. The only place an “easy button” exists is at an office supply store.

When someone gifts their time and allows you to learn from them, (please do not ask someone if you can “pick their brain,”) please respect the fact that the experiences they are sharing with you work – for them. People who are experts in their field have worked hard to get there. In his book, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell talks about how it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert. You must do the work.

I’m grateful for the people who have engaged with me in my journey – giving me their times and sharing their expertise very early in my career. These friends and mentors helped me to figure out my strategy, reduce my learning curve substantially, AND all of this has taken much more time, effort and financial investment than I would’ve ever thought when I began my business.

Consider all the people who have helped you to get to where you’re at right now. If you haven’t thanked them, pick up the phone, craft an email, or send a note to let that person know, they made a difference. Don’t assume they know you appreciate them – your words and actions count.

Yes, it’s better to find what you love to do, and the money WILL follow – if you do the hard work that goes along with it.